Appeal by blueberry growers rejected by top court

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (AP) — Blueberry growers in Ottawa County have lost an appeal at the Michigan Supreme Court over road salt spoiling their bushes.

The Supreme Court this week declined to take up a lower court ruling in favor of the state Department of Transportation and the Ottawa County Road Commission.

Blueberry growers say salt thrown into the air by passing vehicles hurts their bushes and cuts production in western Michigan. They accused the state and county of creating a nuisance and reducing the value of their land.

But the Michigan appeals court has found the state and county have immunity from liability. The court also says harm from salt can affect anyone with property along busy roads.